Restaurants in Hilo

“Wow! Loved this! Beautiful atmosphere, excellent service and really delicious food!”

“So yummy and realistic vegan Vietnamese food 🤤🤤🤤”

“Best shaved ice so far that I have had on the island �. Creamy and smooth.”

“One of best meals we have ever had! Very creative cuisine, service was perfect, cocktail's amazing!”

“Poke cake Best ever Ever”

“Antics ROCKS! Artwork throughout. Scrumptious pizza. My favorites are the slices, which are perfect for solitary diners stopping in for lunch or dinner but unable to take a whole pizza home for later. But they also offer carryout and dine-in for whole pizzas. And birthday-party/graduation/ho'olaulea (celebrations) accommodations. Staff are superb, checking to make sure you're doing okay. And kids adore the games (free, with purchase). Amazing Antics opened DURING the pandemic & has succeeded so well! One of my favorite places to eat, especially because slices are quick & fit within my limited budget. Well-done, Antics ownership, staff, leaders and lenders! 💚”

“Love all their smoothies !!”

“Cute location! Love their dishes! Desserts are also ono! Would eat here as often as I can…”

“Saw a review of this place on YouTube and thought it would be worth checking out and I was blown away with the quality of the food. The fish was some of the best mahi I have ever had and the spam masubi tasted fresh as if it were just pressed. The chicken was crispy and had an excellent flavor.

The staff here were filled with aloha and I felt very welcomed despite it clearly being my first time visiting.”

“Matcha made in heaven! So enjoying the newly expanded beverage menu. Love love love.”

“I love the lilikoi lemonade and macaroons. Always a pleasant experience”

“SO ONO!!! Everything I've tried so far has been Fantastic 😋”

“I got a Kalua Pork Plate and my wife got Kalua Nachos. The food wasn't the greatest in the world, but each plate was only $7.50, which is about the best price you can get on the island, and it was still pretty tasty and filling. It's only just barely four stars because the place looks super trashy, but the quality of the food is well above what you'd expect at that price. Plus, they had smaller stuff like Spam Musubi for $1, which was awesome! Overall, definitely would recommend, as it was delicious, and super affordable. Please note that this is a small place where you CANNOT dine in. It is all takeout, so you'll have to eat in your car or elsewhere, but it's still fully enjoyable.

P.S. You can still come if you don't like Poke, as they still sell cooked items.”

“F****** INCREDIBLE BRUH! BEST EVER! THE CHILI IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD, PROMISE!!!”

“Courteous service, clean and inviting decor. Extensive menu.”

“We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and the dining experience was outstanding! The food was flavorful, delicious and looked like a piece of art. The live music added to the fine dining experience. To top off the evening the desserts were rich and yummy-but the "Wow" factor was the coffee we ordered served in a french press coffee maker! We will be back and bring our friends and family!”

“The Belgian waffles were EXCEPTIONAL, as was the rest of our food. Gale was very sweet and provided great service. We’re only on the Big Island for four days, but we’ll likely be back before we leave.”

“I have never written a Google review before, but I felt compelled to let the world know that this is hands-down the best Vietnamese spot in all of Hilo! The food is exquisite! Fresh and most authentic. This is a family restaurant. The wife is cooking in the back and she does a world class job! Everything is Amazing! I have tried all of their Banh Mi (sandwiches) They are Superb some of the best I’ve ever had! The bread is freshly made soft and crispy. The meat melts in your mouth. The Pho is delicious, Mouthwatering Everything is fresh and made perfectly. They have a beef broth pho That I’ve been eating every single day, Because it is just out of this world it’s unbelievably good. There’s absolutely no comparison if you think you’ve had good Vietnamese food again this is it!
There are a lot of spots in Hilo and I’ve been to most of them. Nothing compares to this quality and authenticity in taste. You will be floored. It is just amazing. This should be the number one spot on Google. I highly recommend all of their sandwiches and all of their Pho options. 10 out of 10.”

“Super fresh food. The pan fried cassava is a must try. The ceviche was also great. Also the egg fried rice - yum! Lots of dairy free and gluten free options; the staff was accommodating with substitutions.”

“A True Culinary Gem: Sakura Sushi Delivers Excellence in Hilo!
Stepping into Sakura Sushi feels like discovering a hidden treasure on the Big Island. In my eyes, this isn't just a sushi restaurant; it's the sushi restaurant, hands down the best on the island. Every visit is a delight, largely thanks to their truly exceptional team.

From the moment you walk through the door, the staff at Sakura Sushi are nothing short of wonderful. They are incredibly nice, remarkably attentive, and astonishingly fast – whether it's getting your drinks to the table or serving up your delicious food. What truly sets them apart is their ability to make you feel like you're the only guests in the bustling restaurant, even when it's packed to the brim. That level of personal, dedicated service is a rare find and a testament to their commitment to their diners.

Our family has an unwavering list of favorites that we simply can't get enough of. The Philly Roll is, without exaggeration, AMAZING – a perfect blend of creamy and fresh. The Godzilla Roll packs a fantastic punch, and the Super Crispy Gyoza live up to their name with every delightful bite. And then there's the BEEF TATAKI (no apologies for the spelling, it's just that good!) – a dish so sublime, it alone is worth the trip.

While these are our go-to choices, believe me when I say we've explored most of their menu, and you truly cannot go wrong with anything you choose. Every dish is crafted with passion and precision. The chefs, no matter who is behind the counter, are consistently AMAZING and deserve every bit of praise they receive. Their skill, creativity, and dedication shine through in every perfectly prepared piece of sushi and every flavorful plate.

I would confidently put Sakura Sushi's best against any other sushi establishment around the Big Island, and they would win hands down. Hilo is incredibly fortunate to have such a magnificent culinary gem. We absolutely adore this place!”

“Had lunch here 2/3 days that we were in Hilo, everything was amazing. The Misoyaki Butterfish Salad was fresh and extremely flavorful without being heavy, and the fish melts like butter in your mouth. We also had a cold water scallop special, an eggplant /marinara/pesto/ricotta appetizer (forgot what it's called, oops!) and crab cakes. Everything was great, honestly one of the best places I've eaten at on the entire island. I like to sit at the bar, as I'm a former long time bartender. Sascha is one of the best around, cocktails were, again, among the best that I found on the island, including Kona. Service was top notch, no matter how busy he got, and he took extra time to modify one of the house cocktails so that an elderly gal with sensitive teeth sitting nearby could enjoy it. I would honestly make the drive from Waikoloa just for this, but Hilo has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well.”

“We spent 3 nights at this resort during our recent Hawaii vacation. The resort is older, which we knew going in, but the staff we met were so friendly! Housekeeping did a great job each day and the beds were comfortable. We enjoyed the coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and warm cookies in the lobby. We also had dinner downstairs, and it was a great meal! We did valet our rental Jeep, and I'm so glad we did! The guys were wonderful, and we loved it was a covered area to get in and out of the Jeep from. All in all, we had a great experience!! We really loved the location and how easy it was to explore around the Hilo side of the island! If we return back to Hilo, we would for sure book here again! Thank you for a wonderful experience!”

“Ponds has been my favorite place to eat for the last 20 years. Hands down best waiters, food and ambience. If you are a local or a tourist, it doesn't matter,this is a must go to place if you're in Hilo.”

“Mac salad- best yet on the island!! Steak & chicken were perfectly prepared! Huge portions- the Bento box had all the meats! Cozy with loud friendly service! We even had leftovers, it was so much food! Get the sesame balls for dessert, you won’t regret it!”

“It's a "hole in the wall" / nothing fancy place for sure, but been coming here for 9yrs...always the same tasty and flavorful quality food. "Pong", the owner, always remembers what I like and gets it's served fast and hot”

“Parking: Food was excellent mine arrived a little cold but very tasty French Dip I also ordered Waioli drink too sweet w no punch Bartender made to die for Cosmopolitan The wings were meaty w good crust and had flavor not overcooked done to perfection w juices dripping down my face and had good ranch hot sauce Overall Happy Camper worth getting all wet for Delicious”

“The BEST sliders I have EVER had in my LIFE 👍🏼”

“The food is always excellent - the ceviche is amazing! Reservations are a must - staff is friendly and knowledgeable.”

“On June 16, 2021, my mom, husband, and I decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Izakaya Miyo after a long, stressful year. It's a prix fixe menu ($99 per person at the time). I highly recommend this restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or just to treat yourself. Chef Louis Pauole is very warm and friendly and explains each dish to you. This is not just a meal, but it is a memorable experience for the senses. Every dish is both beautiful and delicious! Standing ovation!”

“10/12/2024

Hawaii's BBQ Deli
111 E Puainako St Unit 570
Hilo, HI 96720

It's a stall in the Puainako Shopping Center. Aside from that I had a good bowl of vegetable saimin there. There is a menu board above the order counter where I placed my order with the attendant. She later brought it to me at my table. The setup is a cozy fast food style table and chair arrangement.

There was a large quantity of al dente vegetables with authentic tasting noodles in a lightly salted broth, not like the instant noodle sodium bombs.

Very satisfying and a repeat.”

“Worst Mexican food in town, Taco Bell may be better…. Sad to say”

“Delicious coffee. I really appreciate that I could get coffee ice cubes for only an added $1.
Service was friendly and quick.
It's a great place to stop at.
There were food options, but I didn't see them listed anywhere, so I'm not sure about what they were or prices.”

“This place is AMAZING WITH AN AMAZING ATMOSPHERE!! A MUST!❤️❤️”

“Best meal on the big island. Best pho we’ve had and we get pho in Houston and New York often! Dareisay— phonomenal 🤯 I recommend the spring rolls and beef pho! Absolutely delicious.”

“Just tried for the first time. I expected it to be like store bought sushi since it was already made and packaged up, but I was wrong and it was absolutely incredible! I was so happy from the first bite to the last bite. Will be coming back 100%.”

“Best Kalua Nachos ~ Friendly customer service ~ Tasty food”

“My husband and I both had the pastrami sando with fries. Best pastrami sando we've had in a very long time. I am usually not a fan of mustard on anything but the aoli/mustard combo was amazing. Cooking in duck fat is always a great move so kudos for that!! If we were locals, this would definitely be a regular hang out for us.”

“Great food right near Hilo airport. Delicious and unique popover sandwiches. The pop over is cut in half and each half is filled with tasty things; we got breakfast sandwiches which had scrambled eggs veggies and had browns, and also a couple of the little fruit puffs. Way more food than expected and friendly service!”

“Mahalo nui au i nā wāhine o ka Papa'a Palaoa Bakery ma Hilo, Hawai'i. They assisted me in providing a whole lilikoi pie to bring home to San Francisco. They fully wrapped the box in plastic to keep the pie protected, so I could then place it in an insulated bag and surround the box with frozen ice packs. The pie (as well as a cinnamon roll) made it back home just as "hou" (fresh) as when I purchased it, me ka pilikia ole (with no problems), and the pie tastes 'ono loa. I am very grateful for their assistance, and especially their kindness. I highly recommend this bakery to everyone who wants fresh baked goods, but most of all, I am very grateful to the Aloha given by their employees. Mahalo nui loa!!”

“Their food is amazing!Great price and great portions! Definitely the best!!!”

“Me and my husband had a great dinner here! Reasonable price and delicious korean food! The staffs are polite and humble :)”

“Had a mushroom sloppy Joe style burger with a green salad and my husband got a set of tacos. All deserts were vegan - great surprise! We wiped our plates clean. Fun atmosphere too!”

“I went to the Hilo location with my mother last night and was treated in a very racist and disgusting manner by the FOH staff. There were many empty tables yet the host avoided talking to us for a half hour. Then when I asked one of the waiters if we can sit at one of the open tables he said, "He cant let us do that" Then when I finally was able to talk to the host. He said it would be a 40 min wait for food. Ok I get it, the kitchen is swamped. So I say can we just sit right there pointing at the table he just cleaned. He says "no". Keep in mind there were at least four more empty tables. So we decided to leave. On the way out the thought comes into my mind, that he is going to seat the people who walked in behind us. So I tell my mother to wait a second and I go back in to look and there goes the host immediately seating these people bringing them water and menus. So I head back in and ask him "Whats going on here? Can I talk to a manager?" He tells me there are no managers. Then the waiter at the bar who said he couldnt do anything to let us sit down, says "I am the manager" So they lied to my face. Then I go to the bartender she barely bothers to tall to me and says "we are all managers" and that then tries to defend this discriminatory behavior by saying they are not being prejudiced against us. Yet the people behind us are chilling and going over their menus. and here we are not able to even talk to a manager never the less receive service at this racist establishment. We were systemically blocked from sitting. Then some manager esque fellow comes out trying to do damage control after all of this ongoing nonsense. To little to late. Im not going to eat spit burger with some bigot lougies in it. Mind you both my 76 year old mother have hosted various business meet ups there over the yeara bringing them business supporting Ola Brew and they treat us like this. Do not support businesses like this in Hilo. black people of Hilo be aware. This place will treat you second class. Over priced too, for the worst kind of service. dont do it, dont eat there.”

“Okonomiyaki and sashimi omakase and miso salmon are my favs! Miso ramen is yummy.”

“Great selection of fresh fruit, juices and muffins.”

“Best pho I've had in 45 years. Other food was equally as good. You can't beat the service. Friendly, happy, and will to help. We felt like we were ohana.”

“OH EM GEE! Love this place! My kids got to play with games while we waited for the most delicious “mango sticky rice” ice cream. Texture was on point! So tasty. As for my kids chocolate with Oreo ice cream, they loved it! Will be back.”

“This place is fantastic, from Wyoming mrt the owner Shar, she was great to talk to. Bartender 10 out of 10 we had a great conversation bith from big families, really enjoyed coming down here.”

“A cozy and enchanting breakfast and lunch dining spot. Paul is your personal cook and soon-to-be friend. Paul tailored his menu to accommodate our specific tastes and it was delicious. We will definitely return. Make sure you do a reservations as seating is limited.”

“If you are japanese food lover, you definitely need to stop by here. I tried the Karaage Bento, it worth the price. One thing I am a little bit disappointed is that we need to buy sauces separately and it quite expensive(around 2USD per tiny sauce)”

“Excellent tasty food and very reasonably priced (large portions) - we had beef rolls, pho and sate-beef noodle soup which was plenty to feed a family of 2 adults and 2 kids”

“Best Focaccia Ever! Very delicious and unique flavors. Loved the Amaretti cookies too. So glad we have some authentic Italian bread available in Hilo! Highly recommend.”

“Drinks and everything we got were soo delicious!! Husband got the chinese fish which is the snapper as of right now and I got the pan seared duck. Also got the soup of the day which is the potato soup and got a sushi roll. Will definitely be back here if we ever come back to The Big Island!”

“ピーナッツバター入りのアサイボウルが美味しい”

“Come for the fresh catch of the day platter and other special plate lunches. We’ve had some of the tastiest and freshest fish specials on the island. The Ahi cutlet is superb.”

“Excellent Poke selection and wonderful flavors.”

“I’m a lover of hamburger steak and have tried the hamburger steak at every restaurant and drive-in in Hilo. The Liko Lehua hamburger steak is absolutely the best tasting. The secret to a good hamburger steak is the gravy and their gravy is rich, tasty and homemade. No instant or canned gravy here. It also helps that their hamburger patties are hand made. Kudos to the chef and staff at Liko Lehua.”

“Food is always tasty and plentiful. The service is friendly and efficient. They’re a family favorite of ours.”

“Stumbled upon this place walking around Hilo this morning. We are very happy we did. Super cute place clean, friendly and the fast. We even got chocolate covered espresso beans from the staff. Highly recommend!”

“i have tried a lot of thai food but nothing comes close to this place. the red thai curry is so yummy! amazing food, amazing service and the people who run the restaurant are some of the nicest people you will meet! this is a not to miss place in the big island :)”

“Absolutely the most delicious Mochi and other Japanese confections. These ladies have been a mainstay in Hilo and whenever we are in Hawaii, (even Kona) we will make the drive to Hilo just for their desserts.”

“What a hidden gem on Banyan drive! The place looks very low key and unassuming, but serves great fruit ice cream bars of various flavors, all made with real fruits. The staff members are super friendly and even gave us fancy ice to keep our bars frozen. For anyone who visits there, make sure to order their malt milk shake, which for some reason isnt listed on the menu. If the fruit pops were 8/10, the malt milk shake would be 11/10. Yes it is that good!”

“This place is amazing!!! They will totally spoil you for any other shaved ice!! Super friendly people as well! Our hotel was in Kona yet we came here two different days because it was so good!!”

“This is the BEST boba on Big island. The owner makes them fresh everyday and they have the perfect amount of chew to them. If you've never tried the grass jelly it's my new favorite milk tea addition.”

“Expertos Profesionales en Varietales exóticas”

“I came here with a group of 20 people, and needless to say this has been a very great experience. I ordered the pastrami sandwich on white bread and it was actually the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten. Totally recommend this place! Very awesome and nice staff.”

“I must be perfectly honest with everyone. I've been inside Hilo Lunch Shop but i have not eaten their food. However, if you like local food, you'll love this place. I've, never heard a negative thing about this place except they might run out of certain favorites if you don't get there early enough.

My fiance was picking up food for her work and I went with her. There was a long line which moved quickly. I observed those waiting in line as well as the staff. EVERYBODY in the establishment were upbeat and there was just a positive vibe flowing throughout. I could tell the customers were eagerly anticipating and being excited about getting there favorite dishes. Totally cool vibe in there. Im going back to get what I missed out on. Check it out”

“I had the tofu bhanmi and the tofu, rice noodle salad. Both excellent. The location is right next to a park and there are a few other food trucks.. pizza, coffee, giros...”

“Great lunch place with counter service and covered outdoor tables. I had the Robert special tuna sandwich and it was really good, hubby tried the ham and chocolate dole whip.
If you are visiting Rainbow falls stop in for lunch a smoothie or dole whip. You won't be disappointed.”

“Great selections and options! Generous proportions. Be certain to read the specials board inside on the back wall. We enjoyed a Regular Deluxe Pineapple, Li Hing Moi, Lillikoi (passionfruit), and pineapple with cream.”

“Food was amazing. Even after I was stuffed I still kept eating! I ordered a Chicken Katsu and it was the best Katsu I've ever had. Better than all those other fancy restaurants! Small restaurant but it deserves way more. Such a hidden gem.”

“They were extra accommodating to my weird dietary restrictions. The food was great! The presentations with plates and bowels they had the food in was very nice too. Will definitely come back.”

“I absolutely love this place, the people are nice, the food is amazing and the prices are fair. I highly recommend going here, I’ve gone to a lot of fish places in the area and this one never upsets my stomach or anything.”

“Coffee Girl is such a gem! Their coffee is consistently delicious smooth and flavorful. I love how creative their menu is; there’s always something new and fun to try, from seasonal specials to unique flavor combos you won’t find anywhere else. The avocado toast is hands down the best buildable with so many yummy topping choices that make it different every time. Their muffins are also so good soft, fresh, and the perfect treat to go with your coffee. The shop itself is the cutest in town cozy, inviting, and full of charm. Definitely one of my favorite coffee spots on the island!”

“Friendly customer service.”

“Pamela was our waitress. She was such a pleasant person and gave absolutely perfect service! She is an asset to IHOP. Thank you, Pam!!”

“Friday afternoon , chocolate shake and cheese burger - great meal - lost perscription eye glasses at your picnic table at 3;30 PM . if found call at 808-885-7508 . thanks in advance Mike H.”

“Love everything ❤ Beef patties handmade every a.m. Loco moko & SWISS ? burger 'ono, biggest laulau w/ choke lu'au”

“F****** INCREDIBLE BRUH! BEST EVER! THE CHILI IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD, PROMISE!!!”

“They helped me feel comfortable on my first visit. Clean, pleasant store and friendly staff.”

“OMG.... addictive, what more can I say!”

“ABSOLUTELY LOVE their Deep Dish Supreme or Deep Dish customized... and their chicken Wings are Amazing and their Stuffed crazy bread & Sauce. . And Italian Cheezy bread!!! YUMMM!!! And good customer service :) and BEST priced!!! Cant beat it!!!”

“The food was delicious and the service was excellent . I believe our lovely waitress name was "Nail". I apologize if not correct spelling. She was very friendly and polite. The food also came so quickly, much appreciated for great food and service.”

“Best brisket outside of Texas. Everything delicious…. and you get plenty.”

“The Belgian waffles were EXCEPTIONAL, as was the rest of our food. Gale was very sweet and provided great service. We’re only on the Big Island for four days, but we’ll likely be back before we leave.”

“This place is amazing! The buns are fresh and handmade, the burgers are made from extremely good meat, and the on tap beer selection is vast. If it's a nice day, don't miss out on the outside seating. The place has a lot of character but everything is well cleaned and maintained.”

“So yummy and realistic vegan Vietnamese food 🤤🤤🤤”

“Best shaved ice so far that I have had on the island �. Creamy and smooth.”

“Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service with great food… highly recommend this place”

“Absolutely the most delicious Mochi and other Japanese confections. These ladies have been a mainstay in Hilo and whenever we are in Hawaii, (even Kona) we will make the drive to Hilo just for their desserts.”

“SO ONO!!! Everything I've tried so far has been Fantastic 😋”

“The best part about the Hilo Town Tavern is the Exhibit Gallery, which is attached to the dining area. For 8 1/2 years the Exhibit Gallery has supported many of the artists in Hilo and has been a major cultural icon. The Exhibit Gallery supports the First Friday Art Walk and other major Hilo events. I highly recommend visiting this gallery.”

“Worst Mexican food in town, Taco Bell may be better…. Sad to say”

“Antics ROCKS! Artwork throughout. Scrumptious pizza. My favorites are the slices, which are perfect for solitary diners stopping in for lunch or dinner but unable to take a whole pizza home for later. But they also offer carryout and dine-in for whole pizzas. And birthday-party/graduation/ho'olaulea (celebrations) accommodations. Staff are superb, checking to make sure you're doing okay. And kids adore the games (free, with purchase). Amazing Antics opened DURING the pandemic & has succeeded so well! One of my favorite places to eat, especially because slices are quick & fit within my limited budget. Well-done, Antics ownership, staff, leaders and lenders! 💚”

“The food is always excellent - the ceviche is amazing! Reservations are a must - staff is friendly and knowledgeable.”

“They were extra accommodating to my weird dietary restrictions. The food was great! The presentations with plates and bowels they had the food in was very nice too. Will definitely come back.”

“Love all their smoothies !!”

“What a gem! As a local who dines out frequently, it is challenging to find variety amongst the heavily Asian influenced restaurants. We initially tried Kaumana Kitchen for this reason and were blown away. We have since eaten there three times and have to pace ourselves as not to burn out. The food is flavorful, well prepared, and served hot. Their Naan is top notch. The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly and efficient and there is plenty of seating.”

“Courteous service, clean and inviting decor. Extensive menu.”

“Low prices and great portions. By far my favorite ice cream place to go to in Hilo. It was so good, there was a point me and my friend were going everyday to try different flavors.”

“Best ice coffee we had in Hawaii Rory was a great travel consultant 😊 Directed us what to see in Hilo and how to get there. We had the best first time in Hilo because we had coffee here ! ❤️❤️”

“Don’t be fooled because it’s in the mall! Got the roast pork so fire🔥! Service was quick fast and with a huge smile! Since I work close will be hitting the spot a lot thanks for the amazing food!”